Congo Republic opposition presidential candidate Kolelas dies at 61

The major opposition challenger in Congo Republic’s March 21 presidential election Guy Brice Parfiat Kolelas who was sick in hospital with COVID-19 has died at 61, a spokesman stated on Monday.
Kolelas’s election marketing campaign stated on Sunday that the previous minister was in hospital with COVID-19 and may very well be evacuated to France. The spokesman Justin Nzoloufoua declined to present the reason for loss of life, however stated Kolelas died whereas he was being evacuated for medical remedy.

Kolelas launched a video from his hospital mattress late on Saturday. Breathing closely and holding an oxygen masks subsequent to his face, he stated he was “battling against death” however urged Congolese to “go vote for change”.
Kolelas, the son of former Prime Minister Bernard Kolelas, got here second within the 2016 presidential election. He was seen as the principle challenger to President Denis Sassou Nguesso who’s looking for to increase his 36-year rule in Congo.